School committee accepts nearly $35,000 in Booster Club donations for stadium lighting and equipment

The North Andover School Committee unanimously voted Jan. 29 to accept two donations from the Booster Club to support high‑school athletic facilities and equipment. Athletic Director Steve Nugent presented a letter and invoices showing a $22,493.40 check for lighting-related work at the stadium and a $12,428.48 check to replace a worn utility vehicle used by the athletic trainer and maintenance staff.

"The North End of the Booster Club is truly grateful for the support we've received," Athletic Director Steve Nugent said while summarizing the letter and estimates. He said the stadium has 72 light fixtures and that the Booster Club's contribution will cover bulbs, labor and crane rental for repairs; the second check would replace a roughly 15‑year‑old utility vehicle (commonly called a “gator”).

Committee members thanked the Booster Club for the gift. "Almost just under $35,000 is not a small chunk of change," the chair said during discussion, noting the value of night‑game use and shared community access to the field.

A member moved to accept the donations, another seconded the motion, and the committee voted unanimously to accept the gifts and authorize district staff to take custody of the checks.

The donations will allow the district to address immediate maintenance needs; Nugent said a larger LED stadium upgrade would cost about $300,000 and was not included in this donation. The committee asked staff to coordinate receipt of the checks and follow established district gift‑acceptance procedures.

The committee did not adopt any larger permanent capital commitment tied to the donations at the meeting; next steps are administrative acceptance and procurement coordination.